Asherwood auction items gross $1.1 million

The Asherwood Estate two-day auction met organizers’ expectations, grossing approximately $1.1 million. Philanthropist Bren Simon, widow of shopping mall magnate Mel Simon. donated the massive Carmel estate and most of its contents to the Carmel-based Great American Songbook Foundation in January. The two-day auction, held Nov. 17 and 18 at The Tarkington, was run by Guernsey’s auction house.

“We are very pleased with the results, which were right in line with our expectations,” Songbook Foundation Executive Director Chris Lewis said. “It was nice that so many local residents were able to tour the property on the preview dates because there had been a lot of curiosity in the community.”

More than 1,000 people toured the property on the three preview days.

The highest-selling price was $30,000 for a 400-square-foot handmade Persian rug from the master suite of the main house. The estimated worth was $20,000 to $30,000. Phyllis Morris’ “A Baldaquin” four-poster bed, estimated at $30,000 to $50,000, sold for $19,000.

One green palatial Bohemian-cut chandelier sold for $16,000 and the other for $15,000. Each was valued at $60,000 to $80.000.

Of the 1,341 lots on the auction block, 82 percent were sold. Potential buyers are still inquiring about the remaining items.

Lewis said proceeds will be used to offset costs associated with the property as the Songbook Foundation works toward the eventual sale of the entire estate.